I was in pain. I was spending the day in downtown Toronto going from meeting to meeting. I was about halfway through my day when I became conscious of how carrying my heavy backpack was a problem.

I love my backpack as I can carry a lot of things in it. The pack easily holds my laptop, power cords, journal, pens, business cards, and other things I might need for the day. When I’m on an overnight trip, it even carries a change of clothes and other things I need.

I started to wonder if it is worth the pain. I started to wonder if I should just leave my laptop at home. I knew that wasn’t the answer as I use the time between meetings to get things done.

So, I guess I have no choice but to keep carrying the backpack around despite the pain. I tried stretching throughout the day, but that didn’t help either. I tried taking a couple things out of the backpack.

I’m 52 and I guess my body just can’t carry the weight anymore. I guess I’m going to have to just suffer from this pain as what choice do I have? 

Finally, a few months ago, I decided life was going to be much better if I stopped carrying this burden. I bought an iPad and a smaller backpack. Now I travel without the burden and pain of my laptop.

Why didn’t I do that sooner?

Thought of the week

What burdens are you choosing to carry through life? A heavy backpack? Overwhelming personal debt? A bad or broken relationship? A job you hate?

No matter how hard you try you cannot control exactly how your life will play out. Life is way too complex and sh*t happens. You are in control of how you respond to life and knowing this makes the difference between living and suffering.

Suffering is a choice. Living is also a choice. Which are choosing?